Comparative Analysis of Biochemical Parameters among Workers in Autorepair Workshops with Respect to Duration of Exposure

Abstract

Context: Autorepair workshops expose workers to hazardous substances, including toxic metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Aim: This study evaluated the impact of exposure duration on biochemical parameters among autorepair workers (ARWs) in Enugu State, Nigeria. Settings and Design: 135 participants (85 ARWs and 50 controls) were recruited. Methods and Material: Blood samples were analyzed for Pb, Cd, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lipid profile. Statistical Analysis: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: ARWs had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd, MDA, MDA/TAC ratio, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-high-density lipoprotein (nHDL), and LDL/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio, alongside lower Se, Zn, and TAC levels compared to controls ( P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, MDA, TAC, MDA/TAC ratio, TC, HDL, LDL, TG, nHDL, and LDL/HDL ratio among the ARWs with respect to job type ( P > 0.05). Based on exposure duration (≤5, 6–10, 11–15, and ≥16 years), biochemical disruptions were more pronounced in workers with longer exposure durations. Significant positive correlations were noted between exposure duration and Pb, Cd, MDA, TC, LDL, TG, nHDL, and LDL/HDL ratio, while negative correlations were observed for Se, Zn, and TAC ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insight into the cumulative adverse effects of prolonged exposure to toxic metals, emphasizing the interplay between toxic metal exposure, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk in ARWs. Hence, there is an urgent need for workplace interventions, antioxidant supplementation, and regulatory policies to mitigate these risks.